Basel

Nestled in the Three Countries of Germany, France and Switzerland, Basel is a city full of surprises. The city canton with roughly 190,000 inhabitants and a 2000-year history is located on the bend of the Rhine on the borders with France and Germany.

The city offers a unique range of culture and art, and possesses one of Europe's most attractive and best-preserved Old Towns.

Even the beautiful nearby regions can be reached in next to no time: The Jura, the Vosges and the Black Forest are all conveniently close by.

The city has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460), more than 30 museums, the country's first Musical Theater, a theatre of international importance, and countless small theatres. Roughly 1000 concerts take place each year. Basel is well known for its music and jazz festivals with top-class performers and its small but excellent music clubs.

The people of Basel feel strongly attracted to the Old Town, for it is a testimony to their past. Besides being one of the best preserved and most beautiful in Europe, the Old Town of Basel is where the very soul of the city is is revealed. History becomes tangible here.

Basel is both proud and very aware of its history, but at the same time is receptive to everything new. Basel also has a good deal to offer in the field of architecture, and has an architectural museum that is well worth a visit.

Basel never misses a chance to celebrate. Like the famous Fasnacht carnival, which lasts only three days but for which the city prepares itself for 362 days with fervent energy and unbounded creativity.

Another source of ardent enthusiasm are the matches of the popular FC Basel football club and other sporting highlights. For Basel is the sporting centre of Switzerland.

The very highest culinary pleasure is also guaranteed in Basel. Nowhere in Europe is the density of "starred" restaurants as high as in the three-countries region.